Steve Thought O’ The Day – This is a personal note, but I believe it might resonate with others. Recently, I had double cataract surgery, combined with treatment for some glaucoma issues, and I was absolutely terrified going into what was a two-day procedure. I feared losing my vision and imagined a dozen other terrible outcomes.
Let me just say, the medical team, led by Dr. Joseph Guza at the Physicians Surgery Center in Hannibal, Mo., did an outstanding job. Simply outstanding. I have nothing but praise for them. I can see better now than I ever have in my life (I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 10). My message is this: don’t be afraid as I was for years. Thanks to modern technology and the skilled medical professionals in this field, the results are incredible.
Also, a special thank you to Dr. Kristie Chevalier, my optometrist in Quincy, who took the time to talk with my wife Kathy and me at length before the procedure. Without the trust I had in her, I probably wouldn’t have gone through with it. The bottom line? If you’re in a similar situation, take a page out of Michael Jordan’s book and just do it. You’ll likely see the world in a whole new way.
Now, onto the usual topics…
- Have you ever reflected on how much your life has changed over the years?
If you’re a boomer, think back to the late 1970s—about 45 years ago—and consider what was on your mind THEN compared to NOW.
Raise your hands if any of these sound familiar:
- We were probably jamming out to the latest hits from the Rolling Stones. Now? We’re more focused on avoiding kidney stones.
- Most of us had long hair. Now? Many of us are wishing we still had some.
We were rocking bell bottoms. Now? We’re more concerned about our big bottoms. - We used to hunt for new, cool places to hang out. Now? We’re hoping to find a new hip joint.
“Stayin’ Alive” was an anthem. Now? For many, “stayin’ alive” is the goal, not necessarily the favorite tune. - We were into acid rock. Now? We’re trying to avoid acid reflux.
- We enjoyed 8-track tapes. Now? Many are dealing with cataracts.
- Back then, we just wanted to rock and roll all night. Now? Most would prefer to sleep all night.
- It’s been a wild, winding journey.
Did you know (Part 189)?
- That 25 years ago, a dozen McDonald’s hamburgers cost less than $5?
- That McDonald’s will soon bring back its beloved Holiday Pie?
- That Jersey Mike’s is offering its fan-favorite pastrami sub in two versions: Classic and Chipotle for the holiday season?
- That Entenmann’s Little Bites Hot Cocoa Muffins with Marshmallow Bites are now on store shelves?
- That in Britain, what we call a sweater is referred to as a “jumper”? And that they call a parking lot a “car park” and an undershirt a “vest”?
- That Ocean Spray has released its first holiday flavor: Mulled Blackberry Pear?
- That Barilla is rolling out “snow-shaped” pasta for the holidays?
- We have about six weeks left in our third Great Plate Debate, the annual year-long search for the most creative vanity license plate in West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri.
Currently leading the pack is DR LOV, and as I mentioned last week, it will take a very interesting plate to knock this one off. Interestingly, I received a letter from the owner of that plate after seeing it in a recent Daily Dirt ranking—and it was a wonderful correspondence.
In the thoughtful note from Laura Lee (Foster) Love, Ph.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Love), she wrote:
“Although I understand that there are probably other stronger contenders out there in the world, I am truly hoping that DR LOV wins the Great Plate Debate. Not only for you, Minister of Culture and Doctor of Love. It quite possibly might make my 90-year-old mother very proud all over again. What’s not to LOV about that?”
By the way, I’m still smiling, Laura! The medal standings remain unchanged from last week:
Gold medal: DR LOV
Silver medal: GOD 911
Bronze medal: XLMAMA
This week’s best of the rest include:
- CARS 4
- LAZIBOI
- KOLGMA
- ORBT 1
- TACKL 2
- LUVPINK
- EATER 6
- KING OF Q
- DER DER 0